‘Labourer’s Love’, the very first film born into the empty Chinese cinema-space, was a eulogy of the daily mundanities of the average middle-class worker. This is interesting, since it reflected what kind of story Chinese people wish to be told. A story of the commonplace, average labourer.
This is contrasted with Hollywood films, which usually portrays an extraordinary protagonist, with an exceptional narrative that stimulates the audience into attention.
Through this comparison the characteristics of early Chinese cinema becomes more apparent. That, though the film still runs the rather typical story arch, attempts to be more experimental in its portrayal. It becomes a story of mundanities, of fruit vendors, marriage, Chinese doctors, and the marketplace.
Yet, despite it’s apparent mundanities, it still was able to use film techniques eloquently, and was still able to adequately reflect the historical context of that age. Such as the scene where the vendor allied with the doctor in common interest and deliberately caused the old men (feudalists) to fall down the stairs (social hierarchy) that has become a slide. Here, Chinese film kept to the traditional idea of tactfulness (委婉) in its social critique, fully exemplifying the spirit of Chinese culture.
sorry forgot to add my name is Lam Chun Wai and my UID is 3036050556
By the way I know the words are black against the dark background, which would be unclear. This is the full version in case there is any confusion
‘Labourer’s Love’, the very first film Chinese cinema defined as its advent, was a eulogy of the daily mundanities of the average middle-class worker. This is interesting, since it reflected what kind of story Chinese people wish to be told. A story of the commonplace, average labourer. This is contrasted with Hollywood films, which usually portrays an extraordinary protagonist, with an exceptional narrative that stimulates the audience into attention.
Through this comparison the characteristics of early Chinese cinema becomes more apparent. That, though the film still runs the rather typical story arch, attempts to be more experimental in its portrayal. It becomes a story of mundanities, of fruit vendors, marriage, Chinese doctors, and the marketplace.
Yet, despite it’s apparent mundanities, it still was able to use film techniques eloquently, and was still able to adequately reflect the historical context of that age. Such as the scene where the vendor allied with the doctor in common interest and deliberately caused the old men (feudalists) to fall down the stairs (social hierarchy) that has become a slide. Here, Chinese film kept to the traditional idea of tactfulness (委婉) in its social critique, fully exemplifying the spirit of Chinese culture.
I appreciate your beautiful writing in terms of film analysis and the well-structured writing framework. It is excellent that you unfold your analysis of Labourer’s Love by comparing it with Hollywood films and further revealing the distinguishment between the cinematic industry in Hollywood and China at the early age. Besides, I would suggest adding more analysis of filmic techniques, like lens movement, lighting, and set design, which will help to make your writing more solid and convincing.